What were the important events and people in New Zealand by the start of the 20 th Century?

Farming Farming was very important in New Zealand. It also helped shape the male culture of toughness and a “frontier” society.

Farming was very important in New Zealand. It also helped shape the male culture of toughness and a “frontier” society.

Refrigeration Refrigerated shipping was very important in helping New Zealand recover from the 1880’s Depression

Refrigerated shipping was very important in helping New Zealand recover from the 1880’s Depression

The Liberals The Liberals came to power in 1893. They introduced many new policies designed to help New Zealand become more prosperous.

The Liberals came to power in 1893. They introduced many new policies designed to help New Zealand become more prosperous.

Women and the Vote New Zealand was the first country to give women the vote. It is debateable how much extra power this really gave women at this time.

New Zealand was the first country to give women the vote. It is debateable how much extra power this really gave women at this time.

The 1905 Originals This was the first “All Blacks” team to tour Britain. Rugby was fast becoming an important part of our national identity.

This was the first “All Blacks” team to tour Britain. Rugby was fast becoming an important part of our national identity.

Maori By 1900 the Maori population had declined, and living standards were lower than that of Pakeha. Most Maori lived in the countryside. This photo shows Peter Buck (on the right), who promoted Maori adapting to Pakeha ways, and doing all they can to fight with Pakeha in the war.

By 1900 the Maori population had declined, and living standards were lower than that of Pakeha. Most Maori lived in the countryside.

The 1913 Waterfront Strike The 1913 Watersiders strike was New Zealand’s first major sign of industrial unrest. It was crushed, but led to the Labour movement in politics.

The 1913 Watersiders strike was New Zealand’s first major sign of industrial unrest. It was crushed, but led to the Labour movement in politics.

HMS New Zealand (1909): a symbol of military ties with Britain During fighting in WW1 the captain of HMS New Zealand wore a Māori grass skirt and greenstone Tiki presented during the tour of New Zealand to ward off evil, which no doubt helped to enhance her reputation as a lucky ship!

During fighting in WW1 the captain of HMS New Zealand wore a Māori grass skirt and greenstone Tiki presented during the tour of New Zealand to ward off evil, which no doubt helped to enhance her reputation as a lucky ship!

What does this photo tell you about NZ society in 1909?

North vs South By 1900, the population of New Zealand was split roughly 50/50 between the North and South islands. In the previous 40 years, the South Island dominated, mainly because of Gold Mining and Farming.

By 1900, the population of New Zealand was split roughly 50/50 between the North and South islands. In the previous 40 years, the South Island dominated, mainly because of Gold Mining and Farming.